Some populations of the edible dormouse have become isolated due to destruction or severe alteration of their habitat. A recent study by CREAF and the Granollers Natural Science Museum shows that litters from isolated groups have more males than females since the males are the more exploratory sex charged with finding new territories.
A study in which CREAF participates has revealed that marmots reintroduced in the Pyrenees have very low genetic variability because they come from only two alpine areas and have not mixed. Surprisingly, this low genetic diversity has not proved to be an impediment in reintroduction, which has turned out to be a total success.
For marmots, infidelity is a way for dominant females to promote genetic diversity and increase the chances of survival of their young. When the dominant partner is genetically very similar, the female opts to reproduce with other males. This behavior could help create a more diverse genetic line and genetics that are better able to respond to parasites.
